Magnetic trouble light socket



July 5, 1949. w, w ms 2,474,942

MAGNETIC TROUBLE LIGHT SOCKET Filed April 30, 1948 & J

INVENTOR. E'l/EPE 7'7 w HAWK/N6;

%% WW A 7' TOR/YE vs.

Patented July 5, 1%49 2,474,942 MAGNETIC TROUBLE LIGHT SOCKET Everett W. Hawkins, Raleigh, N. (2. Application April 30, 1948, Serial No. 24,250 1 Claim. (G1. 240-5215) My invention relates to trouble lights, and more particularly to sockets for the same, together with a permanent magnet associated with the socket to detachably secure the same to a metallic base for the socket.

With the foregoing in view, it is an object of my invention to provide an improved magnetic trouble light socket.

A further object is to provide an improved magnetic trouble light socket which includes a counterweight for supporting the socket upright and wherein the counterweight comprises a permanent magnet.

A further object is to provide an improved trouble light socket comprising a base of insulating material, a light socket, means detachably connecting said light socket to said base, and an oppositely-disposed counterweight carried by the socket and comprising a permanent magnet.

Other objects and advantages reside in the particular structure of the invention, combination and arrangement of the several parts thereof, and will be readily understood by those skilled in the art upon reference to the attached drawing, wherein the invention is shown, and to the following specification wherein the invention is described and claimed.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal sectional view through the socket according to the invention showing the same in assembled relation to an electric light bulb and a guard for the same;

Figure 2 is an end elevational view looking from the left in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a transverse vertical sectional .view taken substantially on the plane of the line 3-2 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a longitudinal sectional view of the socket taken substantially on the plane of the line 44 of Figure 1, the light bulb being omitted;

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken substantially on the plane of the line 5-5 of Figure 4.

Referring specifically to the drawing, wherein like reference characters have been used throughout the several views to designate like parts, in designates a body of insulating material which may be substantially cylindrical and may be formed with a pair of oppositely-disposed recesses ii and i2. In the form illustrated, the recesses H and A2 are substantially cylindrical, but the recess ii is substantially greater in diameter than is the recess 82. The recesses it 2 and I2 are separated by a wall l3 which is axially recess 23 for a purpose to The recess H is adapted to have detachably secured therein a permanent magnet it which may be substantially cylindrical and formed at one end with a axial bore 16. A retainer screw ll extends through the axial bore it and retainer strip it which is seated in the groove l5. The retainer I8 spaces the shank of the screw ll from the side walls of the bore it of the magnet, and the inner end of the screw ll is threadedly engaged with the threaded socket 23 of the wall l3. Thus, as the screw ii is tightened in position, the magnet ld is securely clamped in the recess IE, but may be readily removed therefrom as desired. It should be noted at this time that the magnet it is substantially large and heavy, whereby it provides a counterweight for the body iii of insulating material.

The recess i 2 is likewise substantially cylindrical and is formed with at least one longitudinally-extending bayonet groove M. In the form of the invention illustrated, the recess I2 is provided with a pair of oppositely-disposed bayonet grooves 2|, each of which has a. closed inner end formed with a laterally-directed foot portion 22, the foot portions 22 of the two grooves being directed in the same direction. An opening is is provided in the body I and opens into the recess l2 to provide means for passing an electric light cord 20 therethrough. An electric light socket comprising a usual metallic shell 26 is detachably secured in the recess l2 bymeans of a base 25 of insulating material which is formed with a pair of laterally oppositely-directed lugs 26 which are adapted to slidably engage in the bayonet grooves 2| and seat in the foot portions 22 thereof upon a partial twisting of the socket shell 24 in the recess l2. The usual electric light bulb 21 is threadedly engaged in the shell 24 and a pair of guard sections 28 may be secured therearound by means of threaded members 29 engaging oppositely and laterally-directed ears 3!! formed on the guard.

By providing a relatively heavy magnet M which comprises a counterweight, it is apparent that the body ill, even when a light bulb and guard are secured thereto, is readily maintained in an upright position on a base which is not attracted to the magnet it. At the same time, the relatively large magnet when placed in engagement with a metallic base which is attracted a partition comprising formed with a threaded be described later.

transverse groove i5 and with an i 3 to the magnet will form a secure connection between the body i0 and such metallic base.

The body ill of insulating material comprises a substantially shock-proof guard for the socket and magnet whereby to insure long lite oi the device.

While I have shown and described what is now thought to be a preferred embodiment of the invention, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of other forms and expressions. Consequently, I do not limit rmllsieli. to the precise structure shown and described hereinabove except as hereinafter claimed.

I claim:

A trouble light socket, comprising a body 01 insulating material, said body being formed with a pair of oppositely directed and substantially cylindrical recesses in end to end relation, 9. wall separating said recesses, a cylindrical permanent magnet seated in one recess,,an electric light socket seated in the other recess, means detachably securing said socket in its recess, said magnet having an outer end surface facing outwardly of its recess, said end surface being formed with a groove extending transversely thereof, said magnet being formed with an axial bore intersecting saidgroove, a retainer strip seated in said groove, a screw having a head engaging said strip and a shank extending through said strip and said bore oi said magnet, and said shank being threaded in said wall to releasably retain said magnet in its recess.

nvmm W. HAWKINS.

assurances crrnn The following references are oi record in the the or this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 789,303 Churcher Sept, 8, 1904 1,808,171 Wade Oct. 12, 1928 1,841,880 Cohen Sept. 8, 1927 1,928,239 Ludwig Sept. 12, 1933 2,413,828 Hinds Dec. 31, 1948 

